Long Story Short: The Official Podcast of The British Fantasy Society
A podcast celebrating writing and creativity across fantasy, horror, and science-fiction, hosted by authors David Green and Robin CM Duncan.
Episodes
BFS Shortcuts Ep-3: Cleland Smith
Cleland Smith joins the podcast to talk about her latest novel, BLACK DOE, released in August 2026, which Anna Smith Spark called “Hauntingly beautiful, an exceptional book”, and which ‘someone’ described as “a feminist, Pictish Bourne Ultimatum”. Cleland gracefully navigates our questions, even twisting the ‘infamous’ Question 10 on its head to excellent effect.
https://britishfantasysociety
Long Story Short Ep-40: FantasyCon Fight Club, with Jen Williams
David is joined by "Senny Dreadful" herself, the excellent Jen Williams. In addition to delving into Jen’s latest release, THE SLEEPLESS, they discuss Jen’s approach to writing, her previous books, and of course this episode would not be complete with diving into the subject of gaming, particularly the influence of Dragon Age and Baldur’s Gate III.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcas
BFS Shortcuts Ep-2: Dan Hanly
Welcome to BFS Shortcuts, Episode #2! Dark Fantasy author Dan Hanly faces our ten-question (really quite cosy) inquisition. This will be Shortcuts' usual 2-weekly release slot, with Long Story Short returning next week (somehow…)!
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Dan's website: https://danhanly.com
Interviewed by Robin CM Duncan: https://robincmduncan.com/
Dan w
BFS Shortcuts Ep-1: Alexandra Beaumont
A whole new cast! Welcome to BFS Shortcuts; not replacing Long Story Short, but filling those empty weeks in which silence reigns. No longer! Ten set questions introduce authors you may not have read, but should. Found on the same channel as Long Story Short; a short episode every week, alternating with our original format. Kicking us off tomorrow, Alexandra Beaumont faces the questions!
https://b
Long Story Short Ep-39: Feeling the Honesty, with Zoe Cunningham
David and Robin are schooled in the art of filmmaking by Zoe Cunningham, star and producer of looping SF conundrum VOIDANCE (2026) and also of BREAKING INFINITY (2023). Ideas, honesty and hard work are the names of the game.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about
Long Story Short Ep-38: The Worst of Both Worlds, with Lex Croucher
Robin is joined by Lex Croucher to discuss, among others, their dark academia fantasy novel THE UNMAGICAL LIFE OF BRIAR JONES. We also answer important questions like ‘What type of armour is best worn to a book signing?’
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the
Long Story Short Ep-37: A Publishing Ecosystem, with Rym Kechacha
Robin speaks to Rym Kechacha about her latest novel, THE APPLE AND THE PEARL. We also get into spinning plots, tricksters of the world, when corvids attack, a reading taskforce, and a good deal more.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/
Long Story Short Ep-36: Pathologically Positive, with R.J. Barker
Robin and David are joined by R.J. Barker to discuss his new book MORTEDANT’S PERIL, introducing us to The Trials of Irody Hasp. We also talk poetic railway stations, listening habits, the watching birds, failed rock stars, space cats and taxidermy bears. It’s a highly irregular menagerie of fun.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British F
Long Story Short Ep-35: Black Shuck is 11! with Steve J Shaw
Join Robin in discussion with Steve J Shaw, owner of the award-winning Black Shuck Books as we celebrate Steve’s achievements over more than 10 years of publishing the horrific, the weird and the peculiar. Plus, Alison Littlewood, Tracy Fahey, John Llewellyn Probert, and Ray Cluley also ‘drop in’ to chat.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the
Long Story Short Ep-34: Darklording it, with Joe Abercrombie
Join Robin and David in conversation Lord Grimdark himself; it’s only bloody Joe Abercrombie! Tables are flipped, blood flows (probably), while we discuss Joe’s latest novel THE DEVILS, movie rights, screenwriting, human error, the comedy of violence, and Joe’s author journey. Don't drink the C*ke.
[Hardly anyone was harmed in the making of this podcast.]
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs
Long Story Short Ep-33: Fantasy Road Trip! with Katalina Watt
Join David in conversation with debut novelist Katalina Watt whose nautical fantasy Saltswept is out now. THE PIRATES ARE BACK!! Hear about Kat’s publishing journey, their approach to writing a queer-normative world, the influence of audiobooks, and much more.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: htt
Long Story Short Ep-32: Engineering the Heist, with Wole Talabi
Join Robin in conversation with engineer and award-winning writer and editor Wole Talabi to hear about his novels, short fiction, the foundation of the Sauúti Collective and Wole’s approach to writing everything from a heist novel to contemplating the end of time.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here:
Long Story Short Ep-31: Majestic Horses, with Georgia Summers
Join David and Robin in conversation with the irrepressible Georgia Summers, author of THE BOOKSHOP BELOW and TROLLHEIM: TALE OF SÝSTIR, as we discuss book boxes, process, and how Georgia’s experiences as an editor and bookseller have fed into her writing.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https:/
Long Story Short Ep-30: Old Lags and Conlangs, with Mahmud El Sayed
Mahmud El Sayed, author of The Republic of Memory talks about his journey as an author, and the evolution of his debut novel, winning the prestigious 2023 Future Worlds prize for Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers of Colour, and his work in a genre he is calling Arabfuturism.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet?
Long Story Short Ep-29: A Whole New World, with Janet Forbes
Prodigious creator Janet Forbes joins us to talk all things World Anvil; 3 million members can’t be wrong! Robin & Dave learn to ‘put a tea cosy’ over their brains’ worst impulses and let the auto-magic do the rest; TTRPG chat in abundance, and more than one moment when the whole cast slips sideways into an alternate reality.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Long Story Short Ep-28: "No, Not the Face!", with Jo de-Lancey
We talk to author Jo de-Lancey about many things, of which several are video games and films, but we do squeeze in some book chat. Plus, Dave’s back! and together we aim to pressgang Jo (in the nicest possible way) into attending Glasgow Fantasycon.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here:
ht
Long Story Short Ep-27: Memory is All We Are, with T.R. Napper [E]
[This one’s a bit sweary here and there, he is an Aussie, after all.]
If you only listen to 30 seconds of this cast, listen from time stamp 28:45. In addition to discussing Tim’s work, hear him rail against the threat of A.I. to creativity, and even that of technology to human memory. We also talk novellas, Australian publishing and the power of art to rehabilitate.
https://britishfantasysociety.o
Long Story Short Ep-26: Keeping Your Heart Open, with A.K. Caggiano
Come join the fun as Robin speaks with A.K. Caggiano, author of the Villains & Virtues, Falling for Demons, and Vacancy series. We discuss the truth of comedy, transition from selfpub to trad, and sharing the writing of a series.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.
Long Story Short Ep-25: Uncategorizable, with Nnedi Okorafor
Robin is joined by multi-award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor for a full and frank discussion centred on Nnedi’s most recent novel, DEATH OF THE AUTHOR, released in 2025. We cover writing family and disability, the culture of food, plus writing two books at the same time that you later discover are in fact two parts of one book.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
A
Long Story Short Ep-24: Defining A Chair, with Matt Greene
Robin and David are joined by novelist, essayist and teacher Matt Greene to discuss his latest novel, The Definitions. In a wide and varied conversation such topics arise as holidays in La Rochelle, chairs vs benches, and A.I. – Matt really doesn’t like it.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https:
Long Story Short Ep-23: Taming the Dragon, with Shen Tao
Shen Tao joins Robin and David to discuss her debut, The Poet Empress, which released a day or so after us recording. A captivating and challenging story that does not shy away from difficult choices, inhabited by darkness, but shining brightly with bravery and love. We discuss Shen’s remarkable novel, matters of author self-care, character empathy, the experience of writing, and mice bombing aste
Long Story Short Ep-22: Resistance and Resilience, with Cheryl Morgan
David and Robin are joined by Cheryl Morgan, owner of Wizard's Tower Press. Come gather round to hear the insights of an experienced independent publisher on such matters as anthologies, the dealers' room, the colonisation of Welsh mythology, and the San Francisco 49ers. Cheryl gives away the secret to making a small fortune in publishing, and provides us with enough recommendations to break a TBR
Long Story Short Ep-21: A Short History in Ten Books, with Priya Sharma
We are delighted to kick off our 2026 season with a novel (pun intended) format for us; we had so much fun discussing the important books Priya’s writing life that you can look forward to more such episodes in the future. So, dive into this fascinating selection box of literary gems.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Societ
Long Story Short Ep-20: The One with Robinski and Greeno
’Twas the day before Christmas and all round the web, no podcaster was stirring, expect Rob and Dave… Welcome to our final episode of 2025!
Okay, I’m sure there are plenty of other podcasts releasing today, but how many of them will take you on a journey stopping off at chronic teeth-grinding, Simon & Garfunkel, writing 20,000 words in a day, Latin lessons, murder mysteries, and writing spr
Long Story Short Ep-19a: the World Fantasy Convention special!
Was it only seven weeks ago that 1,100 fantasy fans gathered in Brighton on the south coast of England for the World Fantasy Convention? If you made it there, here’s a podcast that might help to relive that happy time; and if you didn’t, maybe this offering can tempt you to the next Fantasycon in glorious Glasgow (it’ll be 2026 before you know it!)
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcas
Long Story Short Ep-19: A Slice of History, with Samantha York
Robin and David are joined by Samatha York, whose debut historical novel The Foreshore released in August. Discussion ranges far and wide into matters of language, myth versus reality, also history and who gets to write it. There are shoutouts for local bookshops, and discussions on popular islands like Atlantis and Númenor.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are
Long Story Short Ep-18: A Meeting in Information Space, with Stewart Hotston
Robin and Dave dress up as writers to chat with Stewart Hotston about his latest novel, the magnificent space opera Project Hanuman. We ramble far and wide to chat about LARPing, bookshelves, reading recs, the British Science Fiction Association, and much, much more, but most importantly, we touch on some weighty topics that need to be discussed, like why SF authors write about politics, and what
Long Story Short Ep-17a: The Speakies Special
The BFS are very pleased to support the Best Audiobook: Science Fiction & Fantasy category at the inaugural British Audio Awards, the ceremony for which takes place on 24th November. To mark the event, Long Story Short presents our very first Podcast Special.
https://www.thebookseller.com/the-british-audio-awards/the-british-audio-awards
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-
Long Story Short Ep-17: Emptying the Full Magazine, with Joe Hill
Robin & David were joined in the run up to World Fantasy in Brighton (UK) by Joe Hill, whose new novel, King Sorrow, is his first in nine years. This episode is a real doozy, with the chat ranging far-and-wide. Not to be missed! Check out our new detailed timestamps at the bottom of these notes.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
[There are handful of F-bombs
Long Story Short Ep-16: Storytelling Traditions, with Marve Michael Anson
Robin & Pam are joined by Marve Michael Anson, whose eagerly anticipated debut fantasy novel Firstborn of the Sun released this month. Come learn about ‘an epic world of courtly intrigue and forbidden power’, and the important work Marve does for the BFS on Outreach & Inclusion. https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/bfs-podcast-long-story-short/
Are you a member of the British Fantasy
Long Story Short Ep-15: So You Think You're A Disaster Mage, with Annabel Campbell
Annabel Campbell, whose debut novel The Outcast Mage released in January, joins Robin & David to talk mages of many varieties. How would you shape up as a wizard? Would you use your power for good, or be tempted to the Dark Side where - we are given to believe - there are cookies?
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-
Long Story Short Ep-14: Walking on the Moor, with Sam K. Horton
David & Robin chat with author Sam K. Horton, whose second novel Ragwort releases in November. We talk maps, book tour costumes, and the love of wild places. David discovers that Friday also is a business day. Plus, hear about the Top 10 reasons to attend Fantasycon from Ben and Nico of the Tiny Bookcase podcast.
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: h
Long Story Short Ep-13: The Pleasures & Perils of Indie Publishing, with William C. Tracy
David & Robin meet publisher, editor, & author William C. Tracy of Space Wizard Science Fantasy to chat about WorldCon Seattle, indie small press publishing, the bookselling market, and codifying magic systems. We also discuss cats, bees, and commas. (And yes, Robin did find ‘That Comma Video’ and if you absolutely must watch it… https://youtu.be/tGyiLkdA49Y #noapologies)
Are you a member
Long Story Short Ep-12: Why Science Fantasy is the Best (Sub) Genre, with Lorraine Wilson
Robin & David converse with Lorraine Wilson, author of We Are All Ghosts in the Forest, about folklore, the future of identity, and the sea. In search of a response to the podcast’s title, literature, fantasy, magic and science all go into the growbag of genre. The efficacy of an ice-skating scoring system for panel responses is also assessed during this episode.
Are you a member of the Britis
Long Story Short Ep-11: The Power of Community, with Jay McGuiness
Join David & Robin in conversation with Jay McGuiness, star of stage, screen & chart, as we talk about all manner of things including painting with watercolours rather than oils, love of Lemony Snicket, with a dramatic ‘Hollywood deal-making’ twist at the end.
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-memb
Long Story Short Ep-10: Does the Balrog Have Wings? with Calah Singleton
In which David speaks to Calah Singleton about many things Middle Earth; the Hobbit, the trilogy, the movies, Rings of Power, where their own love of Tolkien’s work originated, their hot takes, and much, much more.
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/
Learn more about Calah here: https://calahsingle
Long Story Short Ep-9: Fun, Games & Medieval Combat with Adrian Tchaikovsky
Robin and David talk with the one and only Adrian Tchaikovsky about writing comedy, fighting in armour, TTRPGs, conventions and of course, books, in a wide-ranging chat covering the breadth and height of Adrian’s authorial career to date.
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/
Find info about Adrian T
Long Story Short Ep-8: Myth, Romantasy & Feminist Rage with Scarlett St. Clair
Join Robin & Pam (PS Livingstone) for Episode 8, Myth, Romantasy & Feminist Rage, with Scarlett St. Clair. Discard preconceptions of Romantic Fiction, learn the power of librarians, social media, and emotion over mechanics. [CW: indirect sex references.]
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/
Long Story Short Ep-7: Tripping the Queer Urban Fantastic with A.K. Faulkner
Author A.K. Faulkner joins David and Robin to talk about many and varied subjects, including writing books, selling books, and people reading books out loud. Also, learn about “the breadmaker”, trusting your brain, and fizzy drinks. [CW: handful of instances of stronger language.]
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here:
https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-b
Long Story Short Ep-6: the Cymera Festival special (recorded live)
Robin attends the 2025 Cymera Festival in Edinburgh and talks to all sorts of people about all sorts of things, mainly festival and writing related, but also featuring soccer, puppers, blueberries, games, a non-hostile takeover, and much, much more. David is present in spirit and in voice. Recorded live, so expect some beeps and boops.
You can find our guests this episode here (in order of appeara
Long Story Short Ep-5: Fantasy & History with James Bennett
James Bennett joins David and Robin to consider many a varied topics around the intersection of Fantasy and History. Prepare for discussion of dark times, but also hope for the future, and as a bonus, James reads to us from a work by George Orwell (not that one).
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/
Long Story Short Ep-4: Slavic Folklore with Lauren Wiesebron
David and Robin are joined by marine biologist and bestselling fantasy author Lauren Wiesebron to discuss various subjects, in particular Lauren's debut novel The House of Frost and Feathers, but also including mermaids... and leprechauns.
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/
Keep up to date with all th
Long Story Short Ep-3: Politics & Religion in SFF with Justin Lee Anderson
David and Robin are joined by the very insightful and entertaining Justin Lee Anderson - author of the Eidyn Saga - to discuss his wealth of experience of the publishing industry, providing great insight on various topics, in particular treatments of Politics and Religion in SFF.
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/beco
Long Story Short Ep-2: Cities with T.L. Huchu!
Join David Green and Robin CM Duncan as they talk with the most-excellent T.L. Huchu, author of the 'Edinburgh Nights' series, about all cities in fantasy and... Star Wars?
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/
Keep up to date with all things T.L. Huchu: https://www.instagram.com/tendaihuchu/
Visit D
Long Story Short Ep-1: Folklore in Fantasy and Horror with Anna Smith Spark!
Join David Green and Robin CM Duncan as they talk with the brilliant Anna Smith Spark about all things folklore in fantasy and horror AND MORE. Yes, more!
Are you a member of the British Fantasy Society yet? Join us here: https://britishfantasysociety.org/about-the-bfs/become-a-member/
Keep up to date with all things Anna Smith Spark: https://www.instagram.com/annasmithspark/
Visit David's we
Recommended
Easy English: Learn English with everyday conversations
SAS: The Shadow War
Esme's Country Life
Miles From Ordinary Podcast
Off The Telly
Murder of a Famous Bastard
Learn UK English By Podcast
My IELTS Classroom Podcast
People Fixing the World
The History Hour
The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast
Frank Off The Radio: The Frank Skinner Podcast
